Mechanical user control elements for fluid input module

ABSTRACT

A cleaning catheter includes an inflatable element and an input module, which includes an inflation chamber coupled in fluid communication with the inflatable element. A flow regulator defines a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with a suction source. A mechanical suction-control button is configured to assume at least first and second spatial positions. A mechanical inflation-control button is configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from a first spatial position to a second spatial position; and a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least first and second spatial positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/595,250, filed May 15, 2017, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/336,894, filed May 16, 2016, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The present invention relates generally to medical suction catheterdevices, and specifically to catheter devices for aspiration oftracheobronchial secretions and/or cleaning of tracheal ventilationtubes.

BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION

Suction catheters are commonly used to aspirate tracheobronchial fluidsin patients ventilated with endotracheal tube (ETT) and tracheostomytube devices. A problematic aspect of the use of suction catheters isthe presence of bacterial biofilm within the ETT lumen through which thesuction catheter passes. Consequently, as the suction catheter isinserted, there is high risk of it carrying bacterial biofilm from theETT lumen deeper into the bronchial tree where the suction catheterreaches, and thereby increasing the risk of lung infection. Moreover,buildup of substantial biofilm thickness reduces the effective freelumen of the ETT for air passage. Therefore, there is a need formaintaining cleaner ETT lumens between suction operations, andpreventing buildup of significant biofilm thickness.

UK Publication GB 2482618 A to Einav et al., which is assigned to theassignee of the present application and is incorporated herein byreference, describes a multi-lumen catheter for multiple fluidsconduction, including balloon inflation with air via an inflation lumen,suction via a suction lumen, and cleaning fluids delivery via a cleaningfluid-delivery lumen.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,074 to Zachar et al., which is assigned to theassignee of the present application and is incorporated herein byreference, describes a cleaning catheter that includes fluid-deliveryand suction lumens. A flow regulator defines suction and fluid ports. Amechanical user control element is configured to mechanically andnon-electrically set activation states of the flow regulator, andtransition between first and third configurations via a secondconfiguration. When the control element is in the first configuration,the flow regulator blocks fluid communication (a) between the suctionport and the suction lumen and (b) between the fluid port and thefluid-delivery lumen. When the control element is in the secondconfiguration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication betweenthe suction port and the suction lumen, and blocks fluid communicationbetween the fluid port and the fluid-delivery lumen. When the controlelement is in the third configuration, the flow regulator effects fluidcommunication (a) between the suction port and the suction lumen and (b)between the fluid port and the fluid-delivery lumen.

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

Some applications of the present invention provide a multi-lumencatheter for cleaning an inner surface of a tracheal ventilation tube.Some techniques of the present invention enable single-handedsimultaneous activation of inflation of an inflatable element andsuctioning in a closed suction system for use with the trachealventilation tube. A closed auction system allows catheters to be usedrepeatedly without being detached from the tube system including theventilation air supply. Applications of the present invention generallyprovide simple user control of conduction of fluids under positive andnegative pressure (suction).

The cleaning catheter is insertable into the tracheal ventilation tube,and is shaped so as to define one or more distal suction orifices. Thecleaning catheter comprises an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter mainbody, and an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter mainbody, typically at a location within 3 cm of at least one of the one ormore distal suction orifices. An input module is coupled to the cleaningcatheter, and comprises an inflation module, which comprises aninflation chamber separate from the suction source. The input modulealso comprises a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define asuction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source.

In some configurations, the input module further comprises:

-   -   a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured to        assume at least first and second spatial positions;    -   a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured        to (a) assume at least first and second spatial positions,        and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in        the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the        mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial        position to its second spatial position; and    -   a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with        respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the        mechanical inflation-control button, and is configured to assume        at least (a) a first spatial position, in which the linking        element does not engage the mechanical suction-control button        when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second        spatial position (and, optionally, prevents the transition of        the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial        position to its second spatial position), and (b) a second        spatial position,

In these configurations, the input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator        connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in        fluid communication via the suction lumen, and    -   when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element transitions both        the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button to their respective second spatial        positions, typically such that the linking element engages both        the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button at least when the mechanical        suction-control button is in its second spatial position (and        typically also when the mechanical suction-control button is in        its first spatial position).

For some applications, the input module is arranged such thattransitioning of the linking element from its first spatial position toits second spatial position simultaneously (a) unlocks the mechanicalinflation-control button from its first spatial position, and (b) linksthe mechanical suction-control button with the mechanicalinflation-control button.

In other configurations, the input module further comprises areversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with respect tothe mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least first andsecond spatial positions. The input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator        connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in        fluid communication via the suction lumen,    -   when (a) the linking element is in its first spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element does not transition        the mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial        position, and    -   when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element transitions the        mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial        position.

For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps are performed:

-   -   inserting the cleaning catheter into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while the inflatable element (e.g.,        balloon) is essentially deflated;    -   typically, in order to perform “deep suction,” the distal end of        the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the        ventilation tube; and    -   applying suction to the trachea.

For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action typically comprisesthe following steps, which are typically performed in the followingorder:

-   -   inserting the cleaning catheter into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while the inflatable element (e.g.,        balloon) is essentially deflated;    -   applying suction and inflating the inflatable element at a        location near the distal end of the ventilation tube (typically        within 2 cm of the distal end);    -   withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal        to proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated        and suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and    -   deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is        near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside        the proximal end of the ventilation tube.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the apparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction        orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction        port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source;    -   (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured        to assume at least first and second spatial positions;    -   (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured        to (a) assume at least first and second spatial positions,        and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in        the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the        mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial        position to its second spatial position; and    -   (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable        with respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the        mechanical inflation-control button, and is configured to assume        at least (a) a first spatial position, in which the linking        element prevents the transition of the mechanical        inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its        second spatial position, and (b) a second spatial position,

wherein the input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator        connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in        fluid communication via the suction lumen, and    -   when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element transitions both        the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button to their respective second spatial        positions.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the apparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction        orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction        port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source;    -   (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured        to assume at least first and second spatial positions;    -   (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured        to (a) assume at least first and second spatial positions,        and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in        the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the        mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial        position to its second spatial position; and    -   (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable        with respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the        mechanical inflation-control button, and is configured to assume        at least (a) a first spatial position, in which the linking        element does not engage the suction-control button when the        suction-control button is in its second spatial position,        and (b) a second spatial position,

wherein the input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator        connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in        fluid communication via the suction lumen, and    -   when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element transitions both        the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button to their respective second spatial        positions, such that the linking element engages both the        suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control        button at least when the suction-control button is in its second        spatial position.

For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to the cathetermain body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of the one or moredistal suction orifices.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, (a) locks themechanical inflation-control button in the first spatial position of themechanical inflation-control button, and (b) does not lock themechanical suction-control button.

For some applications, the first and the second spatial positions of thelinking element are first and second axial positions, and the linkingelement is configured to assume at least the first and the second axialpositions.

For some applications:

the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanicalsuction-control button are first and second radial positions, and themechanical suction-control button is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second radial positions, and

the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanicalinflation-control button are first and second radial positions, and themechanical inflation-control button is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second radial positions.

For some applications, the linking element is moveably attached to themechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, does not preventuser access to the mechanical suction-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, does not engage themechanical suction-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, engages themechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, is not arranged totransition the mechanical suction-control button all the way to itssecond spatial position.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that when (a)the linking element is in its second spatial position and (b) themechanical suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-controlbutton are in their respective first spatial positions: the depressionof the linking element simultaneously transitions both the mechanicalsuction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button totheir respective second spatial positions.

For some applications, the linking element is arranged to axially slidebetween its first and second spatial positions.

For some applications, the linking element is arranged to rotate betweenits first and second spatial positions.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button is disposedproximally to the mechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluidcommunication with the suction source.

For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of between 1and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in its firstspatial position.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their respectivefirst spatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes one or more springsthat are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes exactly one spring thatis arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed outside theinflation chamber.

For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one or moresprings is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b)a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal with therigid lateral chamber walls, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position moves the moveable rigid compression wallwith respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls, thereby mechanicallyand non-electrically increasing the pressure in the interior of theinflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position compresses the elastic compartment, therebymechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in an interiorof the elastic compartment.

For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control button isconfigured to increase the pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber by mechanically and non-electrically compressing the inflationchamber during the at least a portion of the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions from a lowerlevel of compression to a higher level of compression during the atleast a portion of the transition of the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its second spatial position,and the input module is configured to elastically bias the inflationchamber toward the lower level of compression.

For some applications, the inflation module is elastically biased towardthe lower level of compression.

For some applications:

the mechanical suction-control button is shaped so as to define asuction-control user interface surface,

the mechanical inflation-control button is not shaped so as to define auser interface surface,

the linking element is shaped so as to define a linking user interfacesurface,

the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking element isin its first spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-controlbutton is in its first spatial position: (a) at least a portion of thesuction-control user interface surface is visible from outside the inputmodule, and (b) depression of the suction-control user interface surfacetransitions the mechanical suction-control button to its second spatialposition, and

the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking element isin its second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-controlbutton and the mechanical inflation-control button are in theirrespective first spatial positions: depression of the linking userinterface surface transitions both the mechanical suction-control buttonand the mechanical inflation-control button to their respective secondspatial positions.

For some applications, when (a) the linking element is in its firstspatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button is in itsfirst spatial position: at least 1 cm2 of the suction-control userinterface surface is visible from outside the input module.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its second spatial position, blocks externalaccess to the suction-control user interface surface.

For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user interfacesurface is visible from outside the input module.

For some applications:

the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to additionally(a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position, wherein the firstspatial position is between the deflation-inducing spatial position andthe second spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electricallyincrease the pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber duringtransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsdeflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position, and

the input module further includes a mechanical deflation-control button,which is arranged such that when the mechanical inflation-control buttonis in its first spatial position, depression of the mechanicaldeflation-control button transitions the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatialposition, thereby deflating the inflatable element.

For some applications, the inflatable element is partially inflated whenthe mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the apparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction        orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction        port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source;    -   (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured        to assume at least first and second spatial positions;    -   (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured        to (a) assume at least first and second spatial positions,        and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in        the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the        mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial        position to its second spatial position; and    -   (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable        with respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the        mechanical inflation-control button, and is configured to assume        at least first and second spatial positions,

wherein the input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator        connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in        fluid communication via the suction lumen,    -   when (a) the linking element is in its first spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element does not transition        the mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial        position, and    -   when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position        and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial        positions: depression of the linking element transitions the        mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial        position.

For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to the cathetermain body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of the one or moredistal suction orifices.

For some applications, the linking element is arranged to axially slidebetween its first and second spatial positions.

For some applications, the first and the second spatial positions of thelinking element are first and second axial positions, and the linkingelement is configured to assume at least the first and the second axialpositions.

For some applications:

the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanicalsuction-control button are first and second radial positions, and themechanical suction-control button is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second radial positions, and

the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanicalinflation-control button are first and second radial positions, and themechanical inflation-control button is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second radial positions.

For some applications, the linking element is moveably attached to themechanical suction-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, does not engage themechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its second spatial position, engages themechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button is disposedproximally to the mechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluidcommunication with the suction source.

For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of between 1and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in its firstspatial position.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button covers aportion of the reversibly-engageable linking element.

For some applications:

the mechanical suction-control button is shaped so as to define asuction-control user interface surface, at least a portion of which isvisible from outside the input module,

the mechanical inflation-control button is not shaped so as to define auser interface surface,

the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking element isin its first spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-controlbutton is in its first spatial position: depression of thesuction-control user interface surface transitions the mechanicalsuction-control button to its second spatial position, and

the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking element isin its second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-controlbutton and the mechanical inflation-control button are in theirrespective first spatial positions: depression of the suction-controluser interface surface causes a first transition of the mechanicalsuction-control button to its second spatial position, which firsttransition, via the linking element, causes a second transition of themechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial position.

For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the suction-control userinterface surface is visible from outside the input module.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the secondtransition occurs simultaneously with the first transition.

For some applications, the input module includes a cover, which isarranged to inhibit user access to the mechanical inflation-controlbutton both when the linking element is in its first spatial positionand when the linking element is in its second spatial position.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the coveris stationary with respect to the suction port during motion of eitherthe mechanical suction-control button or the mechanicalinflation-control button between their respective first and secondspatial positions.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their respectivefirst spatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes one or more springsthat are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes exactly one spring thatis arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed outside theinflation chamber.

For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one or moresprings is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b)a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal with therigid lateral chamber walls, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position moves the moveable rigid compression wallwith respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls, thereby mechanicallyand non-electrically increasing the pressure in the interior of theinflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position compresses the elastic compartment, therebymechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in an interiorof the elastic compartment.

For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control button isconfigured to increase the pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber by mechanically and non-electrically compressing the inflationchamber during the at least a portion of the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions from a lowerlevel of compression to a higher level of compression during the atleast a portion of the transition of the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its second spatial position,and the input module is configured to elastically bias the inflationchamber toward the lower level of compression.

For some applications, the inflation module is elastically biased towardthe lower level of compression.

For some applications:

the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to additionally(a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position, wherein the firstspatial position is between the deflation-inducing spatial position andthe second spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electricallyincrease the pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber duringtransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsdeflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position, and

the input module further includes a mechanical deflation-control button,which is arranged such that when the mechanical inflation-control buttonis in its first spatial position, depression of the mechanicaldeflation-control button transitions the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatialposition, thereby deflating the inflatable element.

For some applications, the inflatable element is partially inflated whenthe mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilationtube and a suction source, the apparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction        orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction        port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source;    -   (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured        to assume at least first and second spatial positions;    -   (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured        to (a) assume at least first and second spatial positions,        and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in        the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the        mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial        position to its second spatial position; and    -   (v) exactly one spring that is arranged to bias both the        mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical        inflation-control button toward their respective first spatial        positions,

wherein the input module is arranged such that (a) at least when themechanical suction-control button is in its first spatial position, theflow regulator blocks fluid communication between the suction source andthe distal suction orifices, and (b) at least when the mechanicalsuction-control button is in its second spatial position, the flowregulator connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices influid communication via the suction lumen.

For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to the cathetermain body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of the one or moredistal suction orifices.

For some applications, the exactly one spring is disposed outside theinflation chamber.

For some applications, at least a portion of the exactly one spring isdisposed alongside the inflation chamber.

For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluidcommunication with the suction source.

For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of between 1and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in its firstspatial position.

For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control button isconfigured to increase the pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber by mechanically and non-electrically compressing the inflationchamber during the at least a portion of the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions from a lowerlevel of compression to a higher level of compression during the atleast a portion of the transition of the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its second spatial position,and the exactly one spring is arranged to elastically bias the inflationchamber toward the lower level of compression.

For some applications:

the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to additionally(a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position, wherein the firstspatial position is between the deflation-inducing spatial position andthe second spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electricallyincrease the pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber duringtransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsdeflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position, and

the input module further includes a mechanical deflation-control button,which is arranged such that when the mechanical inflation-control buttonis in its first spatial position, depression of the mechanicaldeflation-control button transitions the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatialposition, thereby deflating the inflatable element.

For some applications, the inflatable element is partially inflated whenthe mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the apparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction        orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction        port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source;    -   (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured        to assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions,        the second spatial position between the first and the third        spatial positions;    -   (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which (a) is not        shaped so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is        configured to assume at least first and second spatial        positions, and (c) is configured to mechanically and        non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the        inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical        inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its        second spatial position;    -   (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is fixed to        the mechanical suction-control button, and is configured to        assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions, the        second spatial position between the first and the third spatial        positions; and    -   (vi) a cover, which is arranged to inhibit user access to the        mechanical inflation-control button,

wherein the input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second and third spatial positions, the flow        regulator connects the suction source and the distal suction        orifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen,    -   a first transition of the mechanical suction-control button from        its first spatial position to its second spatial position causes        a second transition of the linking element from its first        spatial position to its second spatial position, and    -   a third transition of the mechanical suction-control button from        its second spatial position to its third spatial position causes        a fourth transition of the linking element from its second        spatial position to its third spatial position, which in turn        causes a fifth transition of the mechanical inflation-control        button to its second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to the cathetermain body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of the one or moredistal suction orifices.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the firsttransition does not move the mechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the firsttransition does not radially move the mechanical inflation-controlbutton.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the fifthtransition occurs simultaneously with the fourth transition.

For some applications, the linking element is radially-moveable, thefirst, the second, and the third spatial positions are first, second,and third radial positions, respectively, and the linking element isconfigured to assume at least the first, the second, and the thirdradial positions.

For some applications:

the first, the second, and the third spatial positions of the mechanicalsuction-control button are first, second, and third radial positions,and the mechanical suction-control button is configured to assume atleast the first, the second, and the third radial positions, and

the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanicalinflation-control button are first and second radial positions, and themechanical inflation-control button is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second radial positions.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button is shapedso as to define a suction-control user interface surface, at least 1 cm2of which is visible from outside the input module, and depression of thesuction-control user interface surface causes the first and the thirdtransitions.

For some applications, less than 1 cm2 of the linking element is visiblefrom outside the input module.

For some applications, the linking element is shaped so as to define alinking user interface surface, at least a portion of which is visiblefrom outside the input module, and depression of the linking userinterface surface causes the first and the third transitions.

For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user interfacesurface is visible from outside the input module.

For some applications:

the input module is configured to apply a maximum level of suction tothe distal suction orifices when the mechanical suction-control buttonis in its third spatial position, and

the input module is configured, during a transition of the mechanicalsuction-control button from its first spatial position to its thirdspatial position via its second spatial position, to apply at least 30%of the maximum level of suction to the distal suction orifices beforeinflation of the inflatable element begins.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the coveris stationary with respect to the suction port during motion of eitherthe mechanical suction-control button or the mechanicalinflation-control button between their respective first and secondspatial positions.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button is disposedproximally to the mechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluidcommunication with the suction source.

For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of between 1and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in its firstspatial position.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their respectivefirst spatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes one or more springsthat are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes exactly one spring thatis arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed outside theinflation chamber.

For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one or moresprings is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b)a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal with therigid lateral chamber walls, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position moves the moveable rigid compression wallwith respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls, thereby mechanicallyand non-electrically increasing the pressure in the interior of theinflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position compresses the elastic compartment, therebymechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in an interiorof the elastic compartment.

For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control button isconfigured to increase the pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber by mechanically and non-electrically compressing the inflationchamber during the at least a portion of the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions from a lowerlevel of compression to a higher level of compression during the atleast a portion of the transition of the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its second spatial position,and the input module is configured to elastically bias the inflationchamber toward the lower level of compression.

For some applications, the inflation module is elastically biased towardthe lower level of compression.

For some applications:

the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to additionally(a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position, wherein the firstspatial position is between the deflation-inducing spatial position andthe second spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electricallyincrease the pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber duringtransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsdeflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position, and

the input module further includes a mechanical deflation-control button,which is arranged such that when the mechanical inflation-control buttonis in its first spatial position, depression of the mechanicaldeflation-control button transitions the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatialposition, thereby deflating the inflatable element.

For some applications, the inflatable element is partially inflated whenthe mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilationtube and a suction source, the apparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction        orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction        port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source;    -   (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured        to assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions,        the second spatial position between the first and the third        spatial positions;    -   (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which (a) is not        shaped so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is        configured to assume at least first and second spatial        positions, and (c) is configured to mechanically and        non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the        inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical        inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its        second spatial position;    -   (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is fixed to        the mechanical suction-control button, and is configured to        assume at least:        -   (a) a first spatial position, in which the linking element            does not engage the mechanical inflation-control button,        -   (b) a second spatial position, and        -   (c) a third spatial position, in which the linking element            engages the mechanical inflation-control button, wherein the            second spatial position is between the first and the third            spatial positions; and    -   (vi) a moveable stopper, which is moveably fixed to the input        module, and which is configured to assume at least:        -   a first spatial position, in which the moveable stopper            blocks a first transition of the linking element from its            second spatial position to its third spatial position, and        -   a second spatial position, in which the moveable stopper            does not block the first transition of the linking element            from its second spatial position to its third spatial            position,

wherein the input module is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its        first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid        communication between the suction source and the distal suction        orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control        button is in its second and third spatial positions, the flow        regulator connects the suction source and the distal suction        orifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen, and    -   when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial        position, (b) the mechanical suction-control button is in its        second spatial position, (c) the mechanical inflation-control        button is in its first spatial position, and (d) the moveable        stopper is in its second spatial position: depression of the        mechanical control button causes a second transition of the        mechanical suction-control button to its third spatial position,        which second transition, via the linking element, causes a third        transition of the mechanical inflation-control button to its        second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to the cathetermain body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of the one or moredistal suction orifices.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that the thirdtransition occurs simultaneously with the second transition.

For some applications, the linking element is shaped so as to define alinking user interface surface, at least a portion of which is visiblefrom outside the input module, and depression of the linking userinterface surface transitions the mechanical suction-control button fromits first spatial position, to its second spatial position, to its thirdspatial position.

For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user interfacesurface is visible from outside the input module.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button is shapedso as to define a suction-control user interface surface, at least aportion of which is visible from outside the input module, anddepression of the suction-control user interface surface transitions themechanical suction-control button from its first spatial position, toits second spatial position, to its third spatial position.

For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the suction-control userinterface surface is visible from outside the input module.

For some applications, the linking element is radially-moveable, thefirst, the second, and the third spatial positions are first, second,and third radial positions, respectively, and the linking element isconfigured to assume at least the first, the second, and the thirdradial positions.

For some applications:

the first, the second, and the third spatial positions of the mechanicalsuction-control button are first, second, and third radial positions,and wherein the mechanical suction-control button is configured toassume at least the first, the second, and the third radial positions,and

wherein the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanicalinflation-control button are first and second radial positions, andwherein the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to assumeat least the first and the second radial positions.

For some applications, wherein the mechanical suction-control button isdisposed proximally to the mechanical inflation-control button.

For some applications:

the input module is configured to apply a maximum level of suction tothe distal suction orifices when the mechanical suction-control buttonis in its third spatial position, and

the input module is configured, during a transition of the mechanicalsuction-control button from its first spatial position to its thirdspatial position via its second spatial position, to apply at least 30%of the maximum level of suction to the distal suction orifices beforeinflation of the inflatable element begins.

For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluidcommunication with the suction source.

For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of between 1and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in its firstspatial position.

For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their respectivefirst spatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes one or more springsthat are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the input module includes exactly one spring thatis arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button toward their respective firstspatial positions.

For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed outside theinflation chamber.

For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one or moresprings is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b)a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal with therigid lateral chamber walls, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position moves the moveable rigid compression wallwith respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls, thereby mechanicallyand non-electrically increasing the pressure in the interior of theinflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position compresses the elastic compartment, therebymechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in an interiorof the elastic compartment.

For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control button isconfigured to increase the pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber by mechanically and non-electrically compressing the inflationchamber during the at least a portion of the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position.

For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions from a lowerlevel of compression to a higher level of compression during the atleast a portion of the transition of the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its second spatial position,and the input module is configured to elastically bias the inflationchamber toward the lower level of compression.

For some applications, the inflation module is elastically biased towardthe lower level of compression.

For some applications:

the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to additionally(a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position, wherein the firstspatial position is between the deflation-inducing spatial position andthe second spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electricallyincrease the pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber duringtransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsdeflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position, and

the input module further includes a mechanical deflation-control button,which is arranged such that when the mechanical inflation-control buttonis in its first spatial position, depression of the mechanicaldeflation-control button transitions the mechanical inflation-controlbutton from its first spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatialposition, thereby deflating the inflatable element.

For some applications, the inflatable element is partially inflated whenthe mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention, apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube, theapparatus including:

(A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilation tubeand includes:

-   -   (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is        shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,        and (b) an inflation lumen; and    -   (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter        main body; and

(B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, andincludes:

-   -   (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflation chamber,        wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation        chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the        inflatable element;    -   (ii) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured        to (a) assume at least a deflation-inducing spatial position, a        first spatial position, and a second spatial positions, the        first spatial position between the deflation-inducing spatial        position and the second spatial position, and (b) mechanically        and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the        inflation chamber during transition of the mechanical        inflation-control button from its deflation-inducing spatial        position to its first spatial position, and from its first        spatial position to its second spatial position; and    -   (iii) a mechanical deflation-control button, which is arranged        such that when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its        first spatial position, depression of the mechanical        deflation-control button transitions the mechanical        inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its        deflation-inducing spatial position, thereby deflating the        inflatable element.

For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control button is in aresting state when in its first spatial position.

For some applications, the input module includes one or more springsthat are arranged to bias the mechanical inflation-control button fromits second spatial position toward its first spatial position.

For some applications, the one or more springs are not arranged to biasthe mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial positiontoward its deflation-inducing spatial position.

For some applications, the inflatable element is partially inflated whenthe mechanical inflation-control button is in its second spatialposition.

For some applications, the deflation-inducing, the first, and the secondspatial positions are deflation-inducing, first, and second radialpositions, and the mechanical inflation-control button is configured toassume at least the deflation-inducing, the first, and the second radialpositions.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b)a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal with therigid lateral chamber walls, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position, and from its second spatial position to itsthird spatial position, moves the moveable rigid compression wall withrespect to the rigid lateral chamber walls, thereby mechanically andnon-electrically increasing the pressure in the interior of theinflation chamber.

For some applications:

the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment, and

the input module is configured such that the transition of themechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position toits second spatial position, and from its second spatial position to itsthird spatial position, compresses the elastic compartment, therebymechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in an interiorof the elastic compartment.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tube anda suction source, the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body,which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,(b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatableelement, which is mounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first and second spatial positions; (iv) a mechanicalinflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at leastfirst and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically andnon-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control buttonfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v)a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with respectto the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least (a) afirst spatial position, in which the linking element prevents thetransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position, and (b) a secondspatial position, wherein the input module is arranged such that: (i) atleast when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first spatialposition, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication between thesuction source and the distal suction orifices, and at least when themechanical suction-control button is in its second spatial position, theflow regulator connects the suction source and the distal suctionorifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen, and (ii) when (a)the linking element is in its second spatial position and (b) themechanical suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-controlbutton are in their respective first spatial positions: depression ofthe linking element transitions both the mechanical suction-controlbutton and the mechanical inflation-control button to their respectivesecond spatial positions;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body,which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,(b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatableelement, which is mounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first and second spatial positions; (iv) a mechanicalinflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at leastfirst and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically andnon-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control buttonfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v)a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with respectto the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least (a) afirst spatial position, in which the linking element does not engage thesuction-control button when the suction-control button is in its secondspatial position, and (b) a second spatial position, wherein the inputmodule is arranged such that: (i) at least when the mechanicalsuction-control button is in its first spatial position, the flowregulator blocks fluid communication between the suction source and thedistal suction orifices, and at least when the mechanicalsuction-control button is in its second spatial position, the flowregulator connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices influid communication via the suction lumen, and (ii) when (a) the linkingelement is in its second spatial position and (b) the mechanicalsuction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button arein their respective first spatial positions: depression of the linkingelement transitions both the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button to their respective second spatialpositions, such that the linking element engages both thesuction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button atleast when the suction-control button is in its second spatial position;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such that thelinking element, when in its first spatial position, prevents thetransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position.

For some applications, the input module is arranged such thattransitioning of the linking element from its first spatial position toits second spatial position simultaneously (a) unlocks the mechanicalinflation-control button from its first spatial position, and (b) linksthe mechanical suction-control button with the mechanicalinflation-control button.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body,which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,(b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatableelement, which is mounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first and second spatial positions; (iv) a mechanicalinflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at leastfirst and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically andnon-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control buttonfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v)a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with respectto the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least first andsecond spatial positions, wherein the input module is arranged suchthat: (A) at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in itsfirst spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communicationbetween the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at leastwhen the mechanical suction-control button is in its second spatialposition, the flow regulator connects the suction source and the distalsuction orifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen, (B) when(a) the linking element is in its first spatial position and (b) themechanical suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-controlbutton are in their respective first spatial positions: depression ofthe linking element does not transition the mechanical inflation-controlbutton to its second spatial position, and (C) when (a) the linkingelement is in its second spatial position and (b) the mechanicalsuction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button arein their respective first spatial positions: depression of the linkingelement transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to itssecond spatial position;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tube anda suction source, the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body,which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,(b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatableelement, which is mounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes: (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first and second spatial positions; (iv) a mechanicalinflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at leastfirst and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically andnon-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control buttonfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v)exactly one spring that is arranged to bias both the mechanicalsuction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control buttontoward their respective first spatial positions, wherein the inputmodule is arranged such that (a) at least when the mechanicalsuction-control button is in its first spatial position, the flowregulator blocks fluid communication between the suction source and thedistal suction orifices, and (b) at least when the mechanicalsuction-control button is in its second spatial position, the flowregulator connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices influid communication via the suction lumen;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tubeand a suction source, the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body,which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,(b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatableelement, which is mounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions, thesecond spatial position between the first and the third spatialpositions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which (a) is notshaped so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is configured toassume at least first and second spatial positions, and (c) isconfigured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in theinterior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanicalinflation-control button from its first spatial position to its secondspatial position; (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which isfixed to the mechanical suction-control button, and is configured toassume at least first, second, and third spatial positions, the secondspatial position between the first and the third spatial positions; and(vi) a cover, which is arranged to inhibit user access to the mechanicalinflation-control button, wherein the input module is arranged suchthat: (a) at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in itsfirst spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communicationbetween the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at leastwhen the mechanical suction-control button is in its second and thirdspatial positions, the flow regulator connects the suction source andthe distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the suctionlumen, (b) a first transition of the mechanical suction-control buttonfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position causes asecond transition of the linking element from its first spatial positionto its second spatial position, and (c) a third transition of themechanical suction-control button from its second spatial position toits third spatial position causes a fourth transition of the linkingelement from its second spatial position to its third spatial position,which in turn causes a fifth transition of the mechanicalinflation-control button to its second spatial position;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and asuction source, the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes: (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter mainbody, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suctionorifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) aninflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first, second, and third spatial positions, thesecond spatial position between the first and the third spatialpositions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which (a) is notshaped so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is configured toassume at least first and second spatial positions, and (c) isconfigured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in theinterior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanicalinflation-control button from its first spatial position to its secondspatial position; (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, which isfixed to the mechanical suction-control button, and is configured toassume at least: (a) a first spatial position, in which the linkingelement does not engage the mechanical inflation-control button, (b) asecond spatial position, and (c) a third spatial position, in which thelinking element engages the mechanical inflation-control button, whereinthe second spatial position is between the first and the third spatialpositions; and (vi) a moveable stopper, which is moveably fixed to theinput module, and which is configured to assume at least: (a) a firstspatial position, in which the moveable stopper blocks a firsttransition of the linking element from its second spatial position toits third spatial position, and (b) a second spatial position, in whichthe moveable stopper does not block the first transition of the linkingelement from its second spatial position to its third spatial position,wherein the input module is arranged such that: (A) at least when themechanical suction-control button is in its first spatial position, theflow regulator blocks fluid communication between the suction source andthe distal suction orifices, and at least when the mechanicalsuction-control button is in its second and third spatial positions, theflow regulator connects the suction source and the distal suctionorifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen, and (B) when (a)the linking element is in its second spatial position, (b) themechanical suction-control button is in its second spatial position, (c)the mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition, and (d) the moveable stopper is in its second spatialposition: depression of the mechanical control button causes a secondtransition of the mechanical suction-control button to its third spatialposition, which second transition, via the linking element, causes athird transition of the mechanical inflation-control button to itssecond spatial position;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation tube,the method including:

providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the ventilationtube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body,which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices,and (b) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which ismounted to the catheter main body;

providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter,and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an inflationchamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of theinflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a mechanical inflation-control button, which isconfigured to (a) assume at least a deflation-inducing spatial position,a first spatial position, and a second spatial positions, the firstspatial position between the deflation-inducing spatial position and thesecond spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electricallyincrease pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber duringtransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsdeflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position, andfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position; and(iii) a mechanical deflation-control button, which is arranged such thatwhen the mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatialposition, depression of the mechanical deflation-control buttontransitions the mechanical inflation-control button from its firstspatial position to its deflation-inducing spatial position, therebydeflating the inflatable element;

coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the suctionsource; and

inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, intothe ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancingthe cleaning catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body isaxially disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal thanan axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the followingdetailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with thedrawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of oneconfiguration of a closed suction cleaning system in respective states,in accordance with an application of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-D are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of anotherconfiguration of the closed suction cleaning system of FIGS. 1A-D inrespective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3A-B are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of yet anotherconfiguration of the closed suction cleaning system of FIGS. 1A-D inrespective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4A-C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of still anotherconfiguration of the closed suction cleaning system of FIGS. 1A-D inrespective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A-C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of anotherconfiguration of the closed suction cleaning system of FIGS. 1A-D inrespective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 6A-C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of yet anotherconfiguration of the closed suction cleaning system of FIGS. 1A-D inrespective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 7A-D are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of still anotherconfiguration of the closed suction cleaning system of FIGS. 1A-D inrespective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONS

The figures are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of severalconfigurations of a closed suction cleaning system 100, in accordancewith respective applications of the present invention. Cleaning system100 is typically configured for use with a tracheal ventilation tube, aventilator, and a suction source. For some applications, cleaning system100 comprises one or more of the tracheal ventilation tube, theventilator, and/or the suction source, in any combination. Althoughthese elements are not illustrated in the figures, they can be seen inFIGS. 1A-D of U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,074 to Zachar et al., which isincorporated herein by reference. Cleaning system 100 may be implementedas shown in FIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent, mutatis mutandis, except thatcleaning system 100 typically does not comprise the pressurized fluidsource 602 shown in these figures.

As used in the present application, including in the claims, a “trachealventilation tube” comprises an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a tracheostomytube. For some applications, the suction source provides a pressure lessthan one atm; alternatively or additionally, for some applications, thesuction source provides a pressure lower than ambient pressure. As usedin the present application, including in the claims, a “fluid” comprisesliquid and/or gas, for example, a liquid-gas mixture that ispredominantly liquid, such as a liquid with gas bubbles. The liquid maycomprise water, such as saline solution or a disinfectant solution.

Cleaning system 100 typically comprises a distal ventilationtube-connector assembly (labeled with reference numeral 158 in FIGS.1A-D of the '074 patent), a cleaning catheter 200, and an input module156. Cleaning catheter 200 comprises an elongate, flexible, tubularcatheter main body 210. Cleaning catheter 200 includes a distal portion212 located distal to the ventilation tube-connector assembly, and aproximal portion 214 located proximal to the ventilation tube-connectorassembly. Distal portion 212 is configured to be inserted into theventilation tube. Proximal portion 214 includes a proximal-most inputportion of catheter main body 210, which is configured to be insertedinto or is disposed within input module 156. Typically, theproximal-most input portion is fixed with respect to input module 156.Respective lengths of distal and proximal portions 212 and 214 maydepend on an extent to which a distal end of catheter main body 210 isdeployed within the ventilation tube and/or an extent to which thedistal end is longitudinally displaced from the ventilationtube-connector assembly, for example, an extent to which catheter mainbody 210 slides through the ventilation tube-connector assembly in adistal direction.

As used in the present application, including in the claims, “axial” and“axially” mean along an axis, and do not mean around or about an axis.For example: (a) “axial motion” means motion along an axis, and (b)“axially aligned” means aligned along an axis.

The ventilation tube-connector assembly comprises: (a) a ventilator port(labeled with reference numeral 664 in FIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent),configured to be coupled in fluid communication with the ventilator viaa ventilator connection tube (labeled with reference numeral 910 inFIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent), (b) a ventilation tube port (labeledwith reference numeral 660 in FIGS. 1A-B and 1D of the '074 patent),configured to be coupled in fluid communication with a proximal end ofthe ventilation tube, and (c) a main body inlet, which is configured toallow passage therethrough of catheter main body 210.

In some applications of the present invention, cleaning system 100 isoperative to clean an interior of the ventilation tube when theventilation tube-connector assembly is directly or indirectly connectedto both the ventilation tube and the ventilator so as to mediate asubstantially air-tight connection (e.g., via an interior chamber(s)and/or conduit(s) of the ventilation tube-connector assembly) betweenthe ventilator and an interior of the ventilation tube.

Cleaning catheter 200 further comprises an inflatable element 588, suchas a balloon, which is mounted to catheter main body 210 near a distalend of catheter main body 210, e.g., within 3 cm, such as within 1 cm,of the distal end, and/or in a distal half of distal portion 212 ofcleaning catheter 200, such as a distal third, a distal fifth, or adistal tenth of distal portion 212. Alternatively or additionally,inflatable element 588 is mounted to catheter main body 210 within 3 cm,e.g., within 1 cm, of at least one of the one or more distal suctionorifices 440, described hereinbelow. Inflatable element 588 isinflatable into contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube.For some applications, inflatable element 588 has a greatest outerdiameter of at least 6 mm, no more than 12 mm, and/or between 6 and 12mm when inflated at 1 bar above atmospheric pressure and unconstrained(i.e., not constrained by the ventilation tube or anything else), whichis typically slightly greater than an inner diameter of the ventilationtube, in order to provide sealing contact with the inner surface of theventilation tube. For some applications, inflatable element 588 has avolume of at least 0.5 cc, no more than 2 cc, and/or between 0.5 and 2cc when inflated at 1 bar above atmospheric pressure and unconstrained.For some applications, inflatable element 588 is elastic, while forother applications inflatable element 588 is not elastic. For someapplications, inflatable element 588 comprises a thin pliable material,such that the inflatable element crumples when deflated.

For some applications, catheter main body 210 has an outer diameter ofat least 6 mm, no more than 12 mm, and/or between 6 and 12 mm. For someapplications, the greatest outer diameter of inflatable element 588 whenfully inflated and unconstrained (i.e., not constrained by theventilation tube or anything else) equals at least 60%, no more than120%, and/or between 60% and 120% of the outer diameter of catheter mainbody 210.

Reference is again made to all of the figures. Catheter main body 210typically includes at least the following lumens arranged along cathetermain body 210. For some applications, one or more of the lumens arearranged along catheter main body 210 at least partially within the mainbody, e.g., integrally formed in the catheter main body 210, formed inthe wall of catheter main body 210, or provided as a separate tube withcatheter main body 210. Alternatively or additionally, one or more ofthe lumens are arranged along catheter main body 210 at least partiallyoutside the main body, e.g., provided as a separate tube outsidecatheter main body 210. The lumens typically include:

-   -   at least one inflation lumen 520, which provides fluid        communication between at least one inflation inlet 521 and at        least one inflation port 585 which is in fluid communication        with an interior of inflatable element 588; typically, the input        portion is shaped so as to define inflation inlet 521, and        distal portion 212 is shaped so as to define inflation port 585;        and    -   at least one suction lumen 530, which provides fluid        communication between at least one proximal suction inlet 531        and the one or more distal suction orifices 440; typically, the        input portion of catheter main body 210 is shaped so as to        define proximal suction inlet 531, and distal portion 212 of        cleaning catheter 200 is shaped so as to define distal suction        orifices 440. The at least one suction lumen 530 is arranged in        intermittent fluid communication with the suction source, as        described in detail hereinbelow.

Inflation lumen 520 typically has a cross-sectional area smaller thanthat of suction lumen 530, e.g., less than 50%, less than 30%, or lessthan 20% of the cross-sectional area of suction lumen 530.

When inflated, inflatable element 588 typically provides two types offunctionality: (i) flow obstruction functionality to significantlyhinder fluid flow between locations on opposite longitudinal sides ofthe inflatable element, and/or (ii) wiping functionality useful forcleaning the inner surface of the ventilation tube. Typically, cleaningsystem 100 operates in a closed system environment.

During one state of operation, cleaning system 100 cleans the innersurface of the ventilation tube when the ventilation tube-connectorassembly mediates a substantially air-tight seal between (i) theventilator and/or an interior of the ventilator port and (ii) aninterior of the ventilation tube and/or an interior of the ventilationtube port.

Concurrently with maintaining of this ventilation machine-ventilatortube seal, inflatable element 588 may be positioned within theventilation tube (e.g., in a distal portion of the ventilation tube),for example by moving a distal end of catheter main body 210 in a distaldirection towards a distal end of the ventilation tube. For example,inflatable element 588 may be distally advanced when inflatable element588 is in a non-contact state (i.e., not in contact with the innersurface of the ventilation tube). After inflatable element 588 is thuspositioned, inflation of the inflatable element induces contact betweenan outer surface of inflatable element 588 and the inner surface of theventilation tube and/or obstructs (i.e., significant hinders)longitudinal flow between proximal and distal portions of the interiorof the ventilation tube.

Upon inflation of inflatable element 588 when the inflatable element ispositioned within the ventilation tube, the inflated inflatable elementforms a sliding boundary which obstructs (i.e., significantly hinders)fluid flow to between: (a) a more proximal portion of an interstitialregion outside of catheter main body 210 and within the ventilation tubeand (b) locations within the ventilation tube that are distal to theslidable boundary formed and delineated by inflatable element 588. Thisslidable boundary between the proximal and distal portions may be usefulfor facilitating the cleaning of the inner surface of the ventilationtube (by wiping), for example for substantially confining locations ofnegative pressure and/or fluid (e.g., pressurized fluid) introduced intoan interstitial region outside of catheter main body 210 and within theventilation tube so that the suction is introduced predominantly in theproximal portion of the ventilation tube.

Distal portion 212 of cleaning catheter 200 is shaped so as to defineone or more distal suction orifices 440, typically through a lateralwall of distal portion 212. Typically, the one or more distal suctionorifices 440 are located along distal portion 212 at one or morerespective locations proximal to inflatable element 588. Typically, atleast one of distal suction orifices 440 (such as all of the one or moredistal suction orifices 440) is located within 1 cm of inflatableelement 588, such as within 0.8 cm, e.g., within 0.5 cm of theinflatable element. For some applications, distal suction orifices 440have a total cross-sectional area in aggregate of at least 2 mm2, nomore than 25 mm2, and/or between 2 and 25 mm2, such as at least 4 mm2,no more than 16 mm2, and/or between 4 and 16 mm2.

Distal suction orifices 440 are supplied with negative pressure by thesuction source and facilitate cleaning of the inner surface of theventilation tube. For some applications, material within the interior ofthe ventilation tube may be suctioned into distal suction orifices 440and proximally transported out of the ventilation tube, e.g., to alocation that is proximal to the ventilation tube-connector assembly. Asdescribed below in detail, fluid communication between the suctionsource and distal suction orifices 440 may be provided by one or moreconnecting lumens within or along catheter main body 210. As used in thepresent application, including in the claims, “fluid communication”includes both positive and negative pressure fluid communication, andthus includes, for example, communication of a positive pressure or of asuction force.

For some applications, cleaning system 100 comprises a substantiallyimpermeable and/or pliable sleeve (labeled with reference numeral 610 inFIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent) for protecting an outer surface ofcatheter main body 210. In some embodiments, the sleeve envelops,surrounds, and/or protects at least some (e.g., at least a majority orat least a substantial majority, e.g., at least 75% or substantially allof (e.g., at least 90%)) of an outer surface of aventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter mainbody 210, typically in locations proximal to the tube-connector assemblyand distal to suction port 830 (described hereinbelow), and typically toinhibit contamination. For some applications, the sleeve provides thisenveloping and/or protection functionality when a length of theventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter mainbody 210 is at least 5 cm, e.g., at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, or atleast 20 cm.

For some applications, a length of proximal portion 214 may be modifiedby sliding, in a proximal or distal direction, catheter main body 210through the ventilation tube-connector assembly.

For some applications, a distal end of the sleeve is (i) directly orindirectly attached to and/or (ii) has a location that is fixed and/orlongitudinally fixed relative to the ventilation tube-connectorassembly. For some applications, a longitudinal position of a locationof the distal end of the sleeve corresponds to a location on theventilation tube-connector assembly (e.g., at or near the main bodyinlet) and/or is longitudinally displaced from a proximal end (e.g.,corresponding to the main body inlet) of the ventilation tube-connectorassembly by at most 5 cm, e.g., at most 3 cm, at most 2 cm, or at most 1cm, and/or at most 50%, e.g., at most 30%, at most 20%, at most 10% of alength of ventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion 214 ofcatheter main body 210.

For some applications, a location of the distal end of the sleeve is notfixed relative to catheter main body 210. For example, catheter mainbody 210 may be longitudinally slidable within the sleeve at or near alocation of the distal end. Alternatively or additionally, for someapplications, a location of a proximal end of the sleeve is fixed and/orlongitudinally fixed relative to a proximal end of catheter main body210. For some applications, the sleeve forms a substantially air-tightseal between the external environment and an outer surface of theventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter mainbody 210 and/or between the external environment and region of spaceoutside of an outer surface of theventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter mainbody 210 and within the sleeve.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-D, which are schematic cross-sectionalillustrations of one configuration of closed suction cleaning system 100in respective states, in accordance with an application of the presentinvention. As mentioned above, in some configurations input portion 216of proximal portion of catheter main body 210 is configured to beinserted into or is disposed within, and axially slidable with respectto, input module 156.

Input module 156 is coupled to cleaning catheter 200, and comprises:

-   -   an inflation module 330, which comprises an inflation chamber        335 (typically separate from the suction source);    -   a flow regulator 700, which is (a) shaped so as to define        suction port 830, which is coupleable in fluid communication        with the suction source, and coupled in fluid communication with        the suction source during use of cleaning system 100;    -   a mechanical user control assembly 320, which is configured to        mechanically and non-electrically set fluid-control states of        flow regulator 700; and    -   typically, a housing encasing input portion 216 of catheter main        body 210.

For some applications, input module 156 comprises exactly one mechanicaluser control assembly 320 having the properties described herein, and/orsystem 100 comprises exactly one mechanical user control assembly 320having the properties described herein.

Input module 156 and/or system 100 may comprise further user controlelements that perform control functions in addition to those performedby mechanical user control assembly 320.

Input module 156 (mechanical user control assembly 320 thereof)comprises:

-   -   a mechanical suction-control button 348, which is configured to        assume at least a first spatial position (as shown in FIGS. 1A        and 1C) and a second spatial position (as shown in FIGS. 1B and        1D);    -   a mechanical inflation-control button 338, which is configured        to (a) assume at least a first spatial position (as shown in        FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C) and a second spatial position (as shown in        FIG. 1D), and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase        pressure in the interior of inflation chamber 335 during a        transition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its        first spatial position to its second spatial position (i.e.,        inflation chamber 335 functions as a compression pump); and    -   a reversibly-engageable linking element 322, which is moveable        with respect to mechanical suction-control button 348 and        mechanical inflation-control button 338 (as well as with respect        to other elements of input module 156, such as suction port 830        and the housing), and is configured to assume at least (a) a        first spatial position (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), in which        linking element 322 does not engage mechanical suction-control        button 348 when mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its        second spatial position (and, optionally, prevents the        transition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its        first spatial position to its second spatial position), and (b)        a second spatial position (as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D).

Reversibly-engageable linking element 322 is arranged to bebidirectionally moveable between its first and second spatial positionsand vice versa.

Typically, linking element 322 is shaped so as to define a linking userinterface surface, at least a portion (e.g., at least 1 cm2) of which isvisible from outside input module 156, and is accessible by a finger ofa user from outside input module 156.

Input module 156 is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its        first spatial position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, flow        regulator 700 blocks fluid communication between the suction        source and distal suction orifices 440, and at least when        mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its second spatial        position, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, flow regulator 700        connects the suction source and distal suction orifices 440 in        fluid communication via suction lumen 530, and    -   when, as shown in FIG. 1C, (a) linking element 322 is in its        second spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control        button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in        their respective first spatial positions: depression of linking        element 322 transitions both mechanical suction-control button        348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 to their        respective second spatial positions, as shown in FIG. 1D,        typically such that linking element 322 engages both mechanical        suction-control button 348 and the mechanical inflation-control        button 338 at least when mechanical suction-control button 348        is in its second spatial position (and typically also when        mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its first spatial        position).

For some applications, input module 156 is shaped so as to define (a) asuction channel 831, which is in fluid communication with suction port830, and (b) a plug 375. Mechanical suction-control button 348 isarranged to move plug 375 to block or open suction channel 831. Inputmodule 156 may also comprise a plug 343, which prevents leakage tooutside of the input module.

For some applications, input module 156 is arranged such that whenlinking element 322 is in its first spatial position, such as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, linking element 322:

-   -   locks mechanical inflation-control button 338 in the first        spatial position of mechanical inflation-control button 338,        and (b) does not lock mechanical suction-control button 348 (for        example, input module 156 may comprise a stopper 321 that        prevents motion of linking element 322 in the direction of        motion of mechanical inflation-control button 338),    -   does not prevent user access to mechanical suction-control        button 348,    -   does not engage mechanical suction-control button 348,    -   engages mechanical inflation-control button 338, and/or    -   is not arranged to transition mechanical suction-control button        348 all the way to its second spatial position.

Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, input module 156is arranged such that when (a) linking element 322 is in its secondspatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their respective firstspatial positions: the depression of linking element 322 simultaneouslytransitions both mechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanicalinflation-control button 338 to their respective second spatialpositions.

Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, input module 156is arranged such that transitioning of linking element 322 from itsfirst spatial position to its second spatial position simultaneously (a)unlocks the mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its firstspatial position, and (b) links the mechanical suction-control button348 with mechanical inflation-control button 338.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, the first and thesecond spatial positions of linking element 322 are first and secondaxial positions, and linking element 322 is configured to assume atleast the first and the second axial positions. Alternatively oradditionally, for some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, (a)the first and the second spatial positions of mechanical suction-controlbutton 348 are first and second radial positions, and mechanicalsuction-control button 348 is configured to assume at least the firstand the second radial positions, and/or (b) the first and the secondspatial positions of mechanical inflation-control button 338 are firstand second radial positions, and mechanical inflation-control button 338is configured to assume at least the first and the second radialpositions. For some applications, linking element 322 is arranged toaxially slide between its first and second spatial positions.Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, linking element322 is arranged to rotate between its first and second spatialpositions.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 is disposedproximally (to the right in the figures) to mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338. Such an arrangement may provide better ergonomic access tothe user.

For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, linking element 322is moveably attached to mechanical inflation-control button 338; inother words, linking element 322 is attached to mechanicalinflation-control button 338 in a manner that allows movement ofmechanical inflation-control button 338. For example, linking element322 may be attached to mechanical inflation-control button 338 by tracks323.

Typically, mechanical suction-control button 348, mechanicalinflation-control button 338, and reversibly-engageable linking element322 are able to assume respective infinite numbers of spatial positionsbetween their respective first and second spatial positions, as thesebuttons and element transition between their respective first and secondspatial positions and vice versa. For some applications, mechanicalsuction-control button 348, mechanical inflation-control button 338, andreversibly-engageable linking element 322 are arranged to move betweenrespective first and second spatial end-points, and the respective firstand the second spatial positions correspond with the respective firstand the second spatial end-points, respectively. Alternatively, therespective first and the second spatial positions do not correspond withthe first and the second spatial end-points, respectively (such asdescribed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D), but instead therespective first spatial positions and/or the second spatial positionsare between the respective first and the second spatial end-points.

Input module 156 is typically arranged such that flow regulator 700blocks fluid communication between blocks fluid communication betweenthe suction source and distal suction orifices 440 not only whenmechanical suction-control button 348 is in its first spatial position,as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, but also during a portion of theintermediate spatial positions, which are typically contiguous with thefirst spatial position. Similarly, input module 156 is typicallyarranged such that flow regulator 700 connects the suction source anddistal suction orifices 440 in fluid communication not only whenmechanical suction-control button 348 is in its second spatial position,as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, but also during a portion of theintermediate spatial positions, which are typically contiguous with thesecond spatial position.

As mentioned above, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in aninterior of inflation chamber 335 during at least a portion of thetransition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position. For some applications,mechanical inflation-control button 338 is configured to mechanicallyand non-electrically increase the pressure in the interior of inflationchamber 335 during an entirety of the transition of mechanicalinflation-control button 338 from the its first spatial position to itssecond spatial position.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward theirrespective first spatial positions. For some applications, input module156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to biasmechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 toward their respective first spatial positions. For someapplications, input module 156 comprises exactly one spring 350 that isarranged to bias both mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 toward their respective firstspatial positions. Providing a single spring to bias both mechanicalsuction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338causes the two buttons to provide uniform resistance to depressionregardless of whether the healthcare worker depresses one or both of thebuttons at a given time, and is thus ergonomically beneficial. For someapplications, the one or more springs 350 are disposed outside inflationchamber 335. For example, at least a portion of one of the one or moresprings 350 may be disposed alongside inflation chamber 335, such asparallel to an axis of motion of mechanical inflation-control button338.

For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises (a) rigid lateralchamber walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression wall 333 that formsan airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber walls. Input module 156is configured such that the transition of mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 from its first spatial position to its second spatialposition moves moveable rigid compression wall 333 with respect to therigid lateral chamber walls, thereby mechanically and non-electricallyincreasing the pressure in the interior of inflation chamber 335. Forother applications, the configuration of cleaning system 100 shown inFIGS. 1A-D implements the configuration of inflation chamber 335 shownin FIGS. 3A-B, in which inflation chamber 335 comprises an elasticcompartment 332, and input module 156 is configured such that thetransition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position compresses elasticcompartment 332, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasingthe pressure in an interior of elastic compartment 332.

For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to increase the pressure in the interior of inflation chamber335 by mechanically and non-electrically compressing inflation chamber335 during the at least a portion of the transition of mechanicalinflation-control button 338 from its first spatial position to itssecond spatial position. For some of these applications, inflationchamber 335 transitions from a lower level of compression to a higherlevel of compression during the at least a portion of the transition ofmechanical inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial positionto its second spatial position, and input module 156 is configured toelastically bias inflation chamber 335 toward the lower level ofcompression. For example, the inflation module may be elastically biasedtoward the lower level of compression, such as by the one or moresprings 350 mentioned above.

For some applications, (a) mechanical suction-control button 348 isshaped so as to define a suction-control user interface surface, (b)mechanical inflation-control button 338 is not shaped so as to define auser interface surface, and (c) linking element 322 is shaped so as todefine a linking user interface surface. Typically, at least 1 cm2 ofthe linking user interface surface is visible from outside input module156, and is accessible by a finger of a user from outside input module156. Input module 156 is arranged such that when (a) linking element 322is in its first spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-controlbutton 348 is in its first spatial position: (a) at least a portion(e.g., at least 1 cm2) of the suction-control user interface surface isvisible from outside input module 156, and is accessible by a finger ofa user from outside input module 156, and (b) depression of thesuction-control user interface surface transitions mechanicalsuction-control button 348 to its second spatial position. Input module156 is arranged such that when (a) linking element 322 is in its secondspatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their respective firstspatial positions: depression of the linking user interface surfacetransitions both mechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanicalinflation-control button 338 to their respective second spatialpositions. Typically, input module 156 is arranged such that linkingelement 322, when in its second spatial position, blocks external accessto the suction-control user interface surface.

For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,and input module 156 further comprises a mechanical deflation-controlbutton, such as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D,mutatis mutandis.

Typically, suction port 830 is shaped as a conventional suction port inaccordance with hospital standards for coupling to standard hospitalsuctions sources. For example, suction port 830 may have a male conicalinterface. Typically, suction port 830 has a lumen size that correspondswith the lumen size of conventional tracheal suction lumens, whichgenerally having a gauge of between 5 Fr to 18 Fr.

For some applications, input module 156 further comprises a user signalgenerator, which is configured to generate a user signal (e.g., a sound)during at least a portion of a period of fluid flow into inflationchamber 335 and/or during or upon deflation of inflatable element 588.The user signal generator may be electrical and/or mechanical.

For some applications, inflation chamber 335 has a volume of at least 1cc, no more than 10 cc, and/or between 1 and 10 cc (e.g., at least 1.5cc, no more than 3 cc, and/or between 1.5 and 3 cc), when mechanicalinflation-control button 338 is in its first spatial position (i.e., notcompressed). The volume typically equals more than 1 times and less than3 times the volume of inflatable element 588. Typically, when mechanicalinflation-control button 338 is in its second spatial position (i.e.,compressed), inflation chamber 335 has a volume of at least 1 cc lessthan when mechanical inflation-control button 338 is in its firstspatial position (i.e., not compressed).

For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps are performed:

-   -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated and linking element 322 is in its first        spatial position, such in the state shown in FIG. 1A; typically,        in order to perform “deep suction,” the distal end of the        cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the        ventilation tube; and    -   applying suction to the trachea by transitioning input module        156 to the state shown in FIG. 1B.

For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action typically comprisesthe following steps, which are typically performed in the followingorder (the healthcare worker typically does not perform the cleaning ofthe ventilation tube immediately after suctioning the trachea, asdescribed above):

-   -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated and linking element 322 is in its first        spatial position, such in the state shown in FIG. 1A;    -   transitioning linking element 322 from its first spatial        position as shown in FIG. 1A directly (i.e., not via the state        shown in FIG. 1B) to its second spatial position, as shown in        FIG. 1C;    -   applying suction and inflating inflatable element 588 at a        location near the distal end of the ventilation tube by        transitioning input module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 1D;    -   withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal        to proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated        and suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and    -   deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is        near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside        the proximal end of the ventilation tube, by transitioning input        module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 1A.

For some applications, cleaning system 100 may also be used forsuctioning the trachea outside of and distal to the ventilation tube,typically when flow regulator 700 is in one of the following states:

-   -   as shown in FIG. 1D, mechanical suction-control button 348 and        mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their respective        second spatial positions, such that (a) the suction source and        distal suction orifices 440 are in fluid communication, and (b)        inflatable element 588 is inflated, or    -   as shown in FIG. 1B, (a) mechanical suction-control button 348        is in its second spatial position, such that the suction source        and distal suction orifices 440 are in fluid communication with        one another, and (b) mechanical inflation-control button 338 is        in its first spatial position, such that the interior of        inflation chamber 335 and the interior of inflatable element 588        are not in fluid communication with one another, and inflatable        element 588 is thus not inflated.

For some applications, the distal end of catheter main body 210 isclosed (such as shown). In these applications, tracheal suction istypically performed by advancing catheter main body 210 far enoughbeyond the distal end of the ventilation tube such that at least one ofthe one or more distal suction orifices 440 is in fluid communicationwith the interior of the trachea distally beyond the end of theventilation tube. For other applications, catheter main body 210 isshaped so as to define, in addition to the one or more distal suctionorifices 440, a distal-most suction orifice at a distal end of distalportion 212 of cleaning catheter 200, distal to inflatable element 588,for example such as described in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No.8,999,074, with reference to FIGS. 21A-B and 22A-C thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-D, which are schematic cross-sectionalillustrations of another configuration of closed suction cleaning system100 in respective states, in accordance with an application of thepresent invention. Except as described hereinbelow, this configurationof cleaning system 100 may implement any of the features of theconfiguration of the system described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 1A-D, mutatis mutandis.

In this configuration, cleaning system 100 comprises, rather thanreversibly-engageable linking element 322, a reversibly-engageablelinking element 324. Unlike in the configuration of cleaning systemdescribed hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, in the presentconfiguration mechanical suction-control button 348 typically covers aportion of linking element 324, i.e., is disposed radially outward andover the portion of linking element 324. Linking element 324 istypically visible and accessible to the user's finger at edges of thelinking element that protrude laterally from under mechanicalsuction-control button 348 (i.e., in direction(s) out of and/or into thepage in FIGS. 2A-D). Reversibly-engageable linking element 324 isarranged to be bidirectionally moveable between its first and secondspatial positions and vice versa.

Linking element 324 is moveable with respect to mechanicalsuction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338(as well as with respect to other elements of input module 156, such assuction port 830 and the housing), and is configured to assume at leastfirst and second spatial positions. Input module 156 is arranged suchthat:

-   -   at least when mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its        first spatial position, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, flow        regulator 700 blocks fluid communication between the suction        source and distal suction orifices 440, and at least when        mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its second spatial        position, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, flow regulator 700        connects the suction source and distal suction orifices 440 in        fluid communication via suction lumen 530,    -   when, as shown in FIG. 2A, (a) linking element 324 is in its        first spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button        348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their        respective first spatial positions: depression of linking        element 324 does not transition mechanical inflation-control        button 338 to its second spatial position, and    -   when, as shown in FIG. 2C, (a) linking element 324 is in its        second spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control        button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in        their respective first spatial positions: depression of linking        element 324 transitions mechanical inflation-control button 338        to its second spatial position, as shown in FIG. 2D.

For some applications, linking element 324 is arranged to axially slidebetween its first and second spatial positions. For some applications,the first and the second spatial positions of linking element 324 arefirst and second axial positions, and wherein linking element 324 isconfigured to assume at least the first and the second axial positions.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, (a) the first and thesecond spatial positions of mechanical suction-control button 348 arefirst and second radial positions, and mechanical suction-control button348 is configured to assume at least the first and the second radialpositions, and (b) the first and the second spatial positions ofmechanical inflation-control button 338 are first and second radialpositions, and mechanical inflation-control button 338 is configured toassume at least the first and the second radial positions.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, linking element 324 ismoveably attached to mechanical suction-control button 348.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, input module 156 isarranged such that linking element 324, when in its first spatialposition, does not engage mechanical inflation-control button 338.Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, as shown in FIGS.2A-D, input module 156 is arranged such that linking element 324, whenin its second spatial position, engages mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, mechanicalsuction-control button 348 is disposed proximally to mechanicalinflation-control button 338.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, mechanicalsuction-control button 348 is shaped so as to define a suction-controluser interface surface, at least a portion (e.g., at least 1 cm2) ofwhich is visible from outside input module 156, and is accessible by afinger of a user from outside input module 156. Mechanicalinflation-control button 338 is not shaped so as to define a userinterface surface. Input module 156 is arranged such that, as shown inFIG. 2A, when (a) linking element 324 is in its first spatial positionand (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its first spatialposition: depression of the suction-control user interface surfacetransitions mechanical suction-control button 348 to its second spatialposition, as shown in FIG. 2B. Input module 156 is arranged such that,as shown in FIG. 2C, when (a) linking element 324 is in its secondspatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their respective firstspatial positions: depression of the suction-control user interfacesurface causes a first transition of mechanical suction-control button348 to its second spatial position, which first transition, via linkingelement 324, causes a second transition of mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 to its second spatial position, as shown in FIG. 2D.

For some of these applications, input module 156 is arranged such thatthe second transition occurs simultaneously with the first transition.For some of these applications, input module 156 comprises a cover 329,which is arranged to inhibit user access to mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 both when linking element 324 is in its first spatialposition and when linking element 324 is in its second spatial position.Typically, input module 156 is arranged such that cover 329 isstationary with respect to suction port 830 during motion of eithermechanical suction-control button 348 or mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 between their respective first and second spatial positions.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward theirrespective first spatial positions. For some applications, input module156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to biasmechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 toward their respective first spatial positions. The one ormore springs 350 may have any of the configurations describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D.

For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the rigid lateralchamber walls, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D,while for other applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises elasticcompartment 332, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-Dand hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3A-B.

For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,and input module 156 further comprises a mechanical deflation-controlbutton, such as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D,mutatis mutandis.

For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action typically comprisesthe steps described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, mutatismutandis.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-B, which are schematic illustration ofyet another configuration of cleaning system 100 in respective states,in accordance with an application of the present invention. Theillustrated configuration is identical to the configuration illustratedin FIGS. 2C-D, except that inflation chamber 335 comprises elasticcompartment 332, and input module 156 is configured such that thetransition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position compresses elasticcompartment 332, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasingthe pressure in an interior of elastic compartment 332. Thisconfiguration of inflation chamber 335 may be implemented in any of theconfigurations described herein, mutatis mutandis.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-C, which are schematic cross-sectionalillustrations of still another configuration of closed suction cleaningsystem 100 in respective states, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention. Except as described hereinbelow, thisconfiguration of cleaning system 100 may implement any of the featuresof the configuration of the system described hereinabove with referenceto FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-D, and/or 3A-B, mutatis mutandis.

In this configuration, mechanical suction-control button 348, which isconfigured to assume at least a first spatial position (shown in FIG.4A), a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 4B), and a third spatialposition (shown in FIG. 4C), the second spatial position between thefirst and the third spatial positions. Mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 (a) is not shaped so as to define a user interface surface,(b) is configured to assume at least a first spatial position (shown inFIGS. 4A-B) and a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 4C), and (c) isconfigured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in theinterior of inflation chamber 335 during a transition of mechanicalinflation-control button 338 from its first spatial position to itssecond spatial position.

In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user controlassembly 320 thereof) comprises reversibly-engageable linking element324, which, in this configuration, is fixed to mechanicalsuction-control button 348, and is configured to assume at least a firstspatial position (shown in FIG. 4A), a second spatial position (shown inFIG. 4B), and a third spatial position (shown in FIG. 4C), the secondspatial position between the first and the third spatial positions.

In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user controlassembly 320 thereof) comprises cover 329, which is arranged to inhibituser access to mechanical inflation-control button 338.

In this configuration, input module 156 is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its        first spatial position, as shown in FIG. 4A, flow regulator 700        blocks fluid communication between the suction source and distal        suction orifices 440, and at least when mechanical        suction-control button 348 is in its second and third spatial        positions, as shown in FIGS. 4B-C, flow regulator 700 connects        the suction source and distal suction orifices 440 in fluid        communication via suction lumen 530,    -   a first transition of mechanical suction-control button 348 from        its first spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4A) to its second        spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4B) causes a second        transition of linking element 324 from its first spatial        position (as shown in FIG. 4A) to its second spatial position        (as shown in FIG. 4B), and    -   a third transition of mechanical suction-control button 348 from        its second spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4B) to its third        spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4C) causes a fourth        transition of linking element 324 from its second spatial        position (as shown in FIG. 4B) to its third spatial position (as        shown in FIG. 4C), which in turn causes a fifth transition of        mechanical inflation-control button 338 to its second spatial        position (as shown in FIG. 4C). For example, linking element 324        may engage an indentation 344 defined by inflation-control        button 338.

This arrangement allows the user to depress a single user interfacebutton (mechanical suction-control button 348), and to sequentiallyfirst cause activation of suction and subsequently cause inflation ofinflatable element 588. Typically, during this transition, beforeinflation of inflatable element 588 begins, at least 30% of the maximumsuction is achieved. In other words, input module 156 is configured toapply a maximum level of suction to distal suction orifices 440 whenmechanical suction-control button 348 is in its third spatial position,and input module 156 is configured, during a transition of mechanicalsuction-control button 348 from its first spatial position to its thirdspatial position via its second spatial position, to apply at least 30%of the maximum level of suction to distal suction orifices 440 beforeinflation of inflatable element 588 begins.

For some applications, input module 156 is arranged such that the firsttransition does not move mechanical inflation-control button 338.Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, input module 156is arranged such that the first transition does not radially movemechanical inflation-control button 338. For some applications, inputmodule 156 is arranged such that the fifth transition occurssimultaneously with the fourth transition.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 4A-C, (a) linking element 324is radially-moveable, (b) the first, the second, and the third spatialpositions are first, second, and third radial positions, respectively,and (c) linking element 324 is configured to assume at least the first,the second, and the third radial positions. Alternatively oradditionally, for some applications, (a) the first, the second, and thethird spatial positions of mechanical suction-control button 348 arefirst, second, and third radial positions, and mechanicalsuction-control button 348 is configured to assume at least the first,the second, and the third radial positions, and (b) the first and thesecond spatial positions of mechanical inflation-control button 338 arefirst and second radial positions, and mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 is configured to assume at least the first and the secondradial positions.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 is shapedso as to define a suction-control user interface surface, at least 1 cm2of which is visible from outside input module 156, and is accessible bya finger of a user from outside input module 156, and wherein depressionof the suction-control user interface surface causes the first and thethird transitions. For some applications, less than 1 cm2 of linkingelement 324 is visible from outside input module 156, and is accessibleby a finger of a user from outside input module 156.

For some applications, linking element 324 is shaped so as to define alinking user interface surface, at least a portion (e.g., at least 1cm2) of which is visible from outside input module 156, and isaccessible by a finger of a user from outside input module 156, andwherein depression of the linking user interface surface causes thefirst and the third transitions.

Typically, input module 156 is arranged such that cover 329 isstationary with respect to suction port 830 (as well as with respect toother elements of input module 156, such as the housing) during motionof either mechanical suction-control button 348 or mechanicalinflation-control button 338 between their respective first and secondspatial positions.

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 4A-C, mechanicalsuction-control button 348 is disposed proximally to mechanicalinflation-control button 338.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward theirrespective first spatial positions. For some applications, input module156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to biasmechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 toward their respective first spatial positions. The one ormore springs 350 may have any of the configurations describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D.

For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the rigid lateralchamber walls, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D,while for other applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises elasticcompartment 332, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-Dand 3A-B.

For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,and input module 156 further comprises a mechanical deflation-controlbutton, such as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D,mutatis mutandis.

For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps are performed:

-   -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated, such in the state shown in FIG. 4A;        typically, in order to perform “deep suction,” the distal end of        the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the        ventilation tube; and    -   applying suction to the trachea by transitioning input module        156 to the state shown in FIG. 4B.

For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action typically comprisesthe following steps, which are typically performed in the followingorder:

-   -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated, such in the state shown in FIG. 4A;    -   applying suction and inflating inflatable element 588 at a        location near the distal end of the ventilation tube by        transitioning input module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 4C;    -   withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal        to proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated        and suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and    -   deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is        near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside        the proximal end of the ventilation tube, by transitioning input        module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 4A.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-C, which are schematic cross-sectionalillustrations of still another configuration of closed suction cleaningsystem 100 in respective states, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention. Except as described hereinbelow, thisconfiguration of cleaning system 100 may implement any of the featuresof the configuration of the system described hereinabove with referenceto FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-D, 3A-B, and/or 4C-D, mutatis mutandis.

In this configuration, mechanical suction-control button 348 isconfigured to assume at least a first spatial position (shown in FIG.5A), a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 5B), and a third spatialposition (shown in FIG. 5C), the second spatial position between thefirst and the third spatial positions. In this configuration, mechanicalinflation-control button 338 (a) is not shaped so as to define a userinterface surface, (b) is configured to assume at least a first spatialposition (shown in FIGS. 5A-B) and a second spatial position (shown inFIG. 5C), and (c) is configured to mechanically and non-electricallyincrease pressure in the interior of inflation chamber 335 during atransition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position.

In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user controlassembly 320 thereof) comprises reversibly-engageable linking element322, which, in this configuration, is fixed to mechanicalsuction-control button 348, and is configured to assume at least: (a) afirst spatial position (shown in FIG. 5A), in which linking element 322does not engage mechanical inflation-control button 338, (b) a secondspatial position (shown in FIG. 5B), and (c) a third spatial position(shown in FIG. 5C), in which linking element 322 engages mechanicalinflation-control button 338, wherein the second spatial position isbetween the first and the third spatial positions.

In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user controlassembly 320 thereof) comprises a moveable stopper 321, which ismoveably fixed to input module 156, and which is configured to assume atleast:

-   -   a first spatial position, as shown FIG. 5B, in which moveable        stopper 321 blocks a first transition of linking element 322        from its second spatial position to its third spatial position        (moveable stopper is also shown in its first spatial position in        FIG. 5A), and    -   a second spatial position, as shown in FIG. 5C, in which        moveable stopper 321 does not block the first transition of        linking element 322 from its second spatial position to its        third spatial position.

For some applications, moveable stopper 321 is shaped so as to define ablocking surface, which, when moveable stopper 321 is in its firstspatial position, blocks the first transition of linking element 322from its second spatial position to its third spatial position.

Input module 156 is arranged such that:

-   -   at least when mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its        first spatial position, as shown in FIG. 5A, flow regulator 700        blocks fluid communication between the suction source and distal        suction orifices 440, and at least when mechanical        suction-control button 348 is in its second and third spatial        positions (as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, respectively), flow        regulator 700 connects the suction source and distal suction        orifices 440 in fluid communication via suction lumen 530, and    -   when (a) linking element 322 is in its second spatial        position, (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its        second spatial position, (c) mechanical inflation-control button        338 is in its first spatial position, and (d) moveable stopper        321 is in its second spatial position: depression of the        mechanical control button causes a second transition of        mechanical suction-control button 348 to its third spatial        position, which second transition, via linking element 322,        causes a third transition of mechanical inflation-control button        338 to its second spatial position, as shown in FIG. 5C.

For some applications, input module 156 is arranged such that the thirdtransition occurs simultaneously with the second transition.

For some applications, linking element 322 is shaped so as to define alinking user interface surface, at least a portion (e.g., at least 1cm2) of which is visible from outside input module 156, and isaccessible by a finger of a user from outside input module 156, anddepression of the linking user interface surface transitions mechanicalsuction-control button 348 from its first spatial position, to itssecond spatial position, to its third spatial position.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 is shapedso as to define a suction-control user interface surface, at least aportion (e.g., at least 1 cm2) of which is visible from outside inputmodule 156, and is accessible by a finger of a user from outside inputmodule 156, and wherein depression of the suction-control user interfacesurface transitions mechanical suction-control button 348 from its firstspatial position, to its second spatial position, to its third spatialposition (configuration not shown).

For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 5A-C, (a) linking element 322is radially-moveable, (b) the first, the second, and the third spatialpositions are first, second, and third radial positions, respectively,and (c) linking element 322 is configured to assume at least the first,the second, and the third radial positions. Alternatively oradditionally, for some applications, as shown in FIGS. 5A-C, (a) thefirst, the second, and the third spatial positions of mechanicalsuction-control button 348 are first, second, and third radialpositions, and mechanical suction-control button 348 is configured toassume at least the first, the second, and the third radial positions,and (b) the first and the second spatial positions of mechanicalinflation-control button 338 are first and second radial positions, andwherein mechanical inflation-control button 338 is configured to assumeat least the first and the second radial positions.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 is disposedproximally to mechanical inflation-control button 338.

For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348 andmechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward theirrespective first spatial positions. For some applications, input module156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to biasmechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 toward their respective first spatial positions. The one ormore springs 350 may have any of the configurations describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D.

For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the rigid lateralchamber walls, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D,while for other applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises elasticcompartment 332, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-Dand 3A-B.

For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,and input module 156 further comprises a mechanical deflation-controlbutton, such as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D,mutatis mutandis.

For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps are performed:

-   -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated and moveable stopper 321 is in its first        spatial position, such in the state shown in FIG. 5A; typically,        in order to perform “deep suction,” the distal end of the        cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the        ventilation tube; and    -   applying suction to the trachea by transitioning input module        156 to the state shown in FIG. 5B.

For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action typically comprisesthe following steps, which are typically performed in the followingorder:

-   -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated and moveable stopper 321 is in its first        spatial position, such in the state shown in FIG. 5A;    -   transitioning moveable stopper 321 to its second spatial        position;    -   applying suction and inflating inflatable element 588 at a        location near the distal end of the ventilation tube by        transitioning input module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 5C;    -   withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal        to proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated        and suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and    -   deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is        near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside        the proximal end of the ventilation tube, by transitioning input        module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 5A.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-C, which are schematic illustrationsof yet another configuration of cleaning system 100 in respectivestates, in accordance with an application of the present invention. Thisconfiguration may be used in combination with any of the otherconfigurations describe herein, mutatis mutandis. In this configuration,input module 156 comprises at least two springs 350, one of which isarranged to bias mechanical suction-control button 348 toward its firstspatial position, and second of which is disposed within inflationchamber 335.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-D, which are schematic cross-sectionalillustrations of still another configuration of closed suction cleaningsystem 100 in respective states, in accordance with an application ofthe present invention. Except as described hereinbelow, thisconfiguration of cleaning system 100 may implement any of the featuresof the configuration of the system described hereinabove with referenceto FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-D, 3A-B, 4C-D, 5A-C, and/or 6A-C mutatis mutandis.

In this configuration, mechanical inflation-control button 338 isconfigured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,as shown in FIG. 8B. The first spatial position is between thedeflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial position.Mechanical inflation-control button 338 is configured to mechanicallyand non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of inflationchamber 335 during transition of mechanical inflation-control button 338from its deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatialposition, and from its first spatial position to its second spatialposition. Although mechanical inflation-control button 338 is shown asnot being fixed to spring 350, mechanical inflation-control button 338may alternatively be fixed to spring 350.

In this configuration, input module 156 further comprises a mechanicaldeflation-control button 850, which is arranged such that whenmechanical inflation-control button 338 is in its first spatialposition, as shown in FIG. 7A, depression of mechanicaldeflation-control button 850 transitions mechanical inflation-controlbutton 338 from its first spatial position to its deflation-inducingspatial position, thereby deflating the inflatable element, as shown inFIG. 8B. Typically, the healthcare worker can use the same single handto depress mechanical deflation-control button 850 and advance thecatheter down the ventilation tube; optionally, mechanicaldeflation-control button 850 is shaped and arranged like a gun trigger.As used in the present application, including in the claims, “deflate”means reduce a level of inflation of, and does not require completelyuninflating inflatable element 588. Typically, inflatable element 588 ispartially inflated when mechanical inflation-control button 338 is inits first spatial position (this is typically also the case in all ofthe configurations described herein, even though the drawings do notreflect this). This is typically the case because inflatable element 588comprises a non-compliant material (if inflatable element 588 wereinstead to comprise a medical-grade elastic material such as elasticsilicone, that fully deflates in its resting state, manufacturing wouldbe more difficult, e.g., because it is difficult to adhere silicone tothe PVC that the catheter typically comprises).

For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 is in aresting state when in its first spatial position. Typically, mechanicaldeflation-control button 850 is released before mechanicalinflation-control button 338 is transitioned from its first spatialposition to its second spatial position.

For some applications, input module 156 comprises one or more springs350 that are arranged to bias mechanical inflation-control button 338from its second spatial position toward its first spatial position. Forsome applications, the one or more springs 350 are not arranged to biasmechanical inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial positiontoward its deflation-inducing spatial position.

For some applications, the deflation-inducing, the first, and the secondspatial positions are deflation-inducing, first, and second radialpositions, and mechanical inflation-control button 338 is configured toassume at least the deflation-inducing, the first, and the second radialpositions.

For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the rigid lateralchamber walls, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D,while for other applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises elasticcompartment 332, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-Dand 3A-B.

For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps are performed:

-   -   depressing mechanical deflation-control button 850 to deflate        inflatable element 588, as shown in FIG. 7B; it is desirable for        inflatable element 588 to be as deflated as possible while it is        advanced down the ventilation tube, in order to avoid the        inflatable element pushing bacterial biofilm and mucous, which        is on the wall of the ventilation tube, down the ventilation        tube and into the trachea;    -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated, such in the state shown in FIG. 7B;        typically, in order to perform “deep suction,” the distal end of        the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the        ventilation tube; and    -   applying suction to the trachea by transitioning input module        156 to the state shown in FIG. 7C.

For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action typically comprisesthe following steps, which are typically performed in the followingorder:

-   -   depressing mechanical deflation-control button 850 to deflate        inflatable element 588, as shown in FIG. 7B; it is desirable for        inflatable element 588 to be as deflated as possible while it is        advanced down the ventilation tube, in order to avoid the        inflatable element pushing bacterial biofilm and mucous, which        is on the wall of the ventilation tube, down the ventilation        tube and into the trachea;    -   inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a        proximal to distal direction while inflatable element 588 is        essentially deflated, such in the state shown in FIG. 7B;    -   applying suction and inflating inflatable element 588 at a        location near the distal end of the ventilation tube by        transitioning input module 156 from the state shown in FIG. 7B        directly (i.e., not via the state shown in FIG. 7C) to the state        shown in FIG. 7D;    -   withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal        to proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated        and suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and    -   deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is        near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside        the proximal end of the ventilation tube, by transitioning input        module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 7B.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of theverbs, “comprise,” “include” and “have,” and conjugates thereof, areused to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are notnecessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or partsof the subject or subjects of the verb. The articles “a” and “an” areused herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one)of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “anelement” means one element or more than one element. The term“including” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with,the phrase “including but not limited to.” The term “or” is used hereinto mean, and is used interchangeably with, the term “and/or,” unlesscontext clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” is used hereinto mean, and is used interchangeably, with the phrase “such as but notlimited to.”

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Incase of conflict, the present patent specification, includingdefinitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For brevity, some explicit combinations of various features are notexplicitly illustrated in the figures and/or described. It is nowdisclosed that any combination of the method or device featuresdisclosed herein can be combined in any manner—including any combinationof features—any combination of features can be included in anyembodiment and/or omitted from any embodiments.

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments described in thefollowing applications, which are assigned to the assignee of thepresent application and are incorporated herein by reference. In anembodiment, techniques and apparatus described in one or more of thefollowing applications are combined with techniques and apparatusdescribed herein. It is noted that the phrase “fluid-control state” usedherein may, for some applications, correspond in some respects to thephrases “mode,” “activation mode,” and/or “operating mode” referred toin the following applications (although many of the configurations ofthese states described herein differ in at least some respects from theconfigurations of the modes described in the following applications). Itis also noted that the phrase “mechanical user control element” usedherein may, for some applications, correspond in some respects to theword “switch,” referred to in the following applications (although manyof the configurations of these states described herein differ in atleast some respects from the configurations of the modes described inthe following applications):

-   -   PCT Publication WO/2012/131626 to Einav et al.    -   GB 2482618 A to Einav et al.;    -   UK Application GB 1119794.4, filed Nov. 16, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/468,990, filed Mar. 29, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/473,790, filed Apr. 10, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/483,699, filed May 8, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/496,019, filed Jun. 12, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/527,658, filed Aug. 26, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/539,998, filed Sep. 28, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/560,385, filed Nov. 16, 2011;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/603,340, filed Feb. 26, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/603,344, filed Feb. 26, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/609,763, filed Mar. 12, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/613,408, filed Mar. 20, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/635,360, filed Apr. 19, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/655,801, filed Jun. 5, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/660,832, filed Jun. 18, 2012;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 61/673,744, filed Jul. 20, 2012;    -   PCT Publication WO 2013/030821 to Zachar et al.;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,074 to Zachar et al;    -   UK Application 1600233.9, filed Jan. 6, 2016;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 62/287,223, filed Jan. 26, 2016;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 62/319,640, filed Apr. 7, 2016;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 62/336,894, filed May 16, 2016;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 62/336,753, filed May 16, 2016;    -   U.S. Provisional Application 62/376,102, filed Aug. 17, 2016;    -   U.S. application Ser. No. 15/363,782, filed Nov. 29, 2016; and    -   International Application PCT/IL2016/051367, filed Dec. 22,        2016.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereofthat are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled inthe art upon reading the foregoing description.

1. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suctionsource, the apparatus comprising: (A) a cleaning catheter, which isinsertable into the ventilation tube and comprises: (i) an elongate,flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define(a) one or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) aninflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to thecatheter main body; and (B) an input module, which is coupled to thecleaning catheter, and comprises: (i) an inflation module, whichcomprises an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples aninterior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with aninterior of the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which isshaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communicationwith the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,which is configured to assume at least first and second spatialpositions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which isconfigured to (a) assume at least first and second spatial positions,and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in theinterior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanicalinflation-control button from its first spatial position to its secondspatial position; and (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element, whichis moveable with respect to the mechanical suction-control button andthe mechanical inflation-control button, and is configured to assume atleast first and second spatial positions, wherein the input module isarranged such that: at least when the mechanical suction-control buttonis in its first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluidcommunication between the suction source and the distal suctionorifices, and at least when the mechanical suction control button is inits second spatial position, the flow regulator connects the suctionsource and the distal suction orifices in fluid communication via thesuction lumen, when (a) the linking element is in its first spatialposition and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button are in their respective firstspatial positions: depression of the linking element does not transitionthe mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial position,and when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position and(b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button are in their respective first spatialpositions: depression of the linking element transitions the mechanicalinflation-control button to its second spatial position.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linking element is arrangedto axially slide between its first and second spatial positions.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second spatialpositions of the linking element are first and second axial positions,and wherein the linking element is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second axial positions.
 4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first and the second spatial positions of themechanical suction-control button are first and second radial positions,and wherein the mechanical suction-control button is configured toassume at least the first and the second radial positions, and whereinthe first and the second spatial positions of the mechanical inflationcontrol button are first and second radial positions, and wherein themechanical inflation control button is configured to assume at least thefirst and the second radial positions.
 5. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the linking element is moveably attached to themechanical suction-control button.
 6. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein the input module is arranged such that the linking element,when in its first spatial position, does not engage the mechanicalinflation-control button.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe input module is arranged such that the linking element, when in itssecond spatial position, engages the mechanical inflation-controlbutton.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mechanicalsuction-control button is disposed proximally to the mechanicalinflation-control button.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe suction port is coupled in fluid communication with the suctionsource.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflationchamber has a volume of between 1 and 10 cc when the first mechanicalcontrol element is in its first spatial position.
 11. The apparatusaccording to any one of claim 1, wherein the mechanical suction-controlbutton covers a portion of the reversibly-engageable linking element.12. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein themechanical suction-control button is shaped so as to define a suctioncontrol user interface surface, at least a portion of which is visiblefrom outside the input module, wherein the mechanical inflation-controlbutton is not shaped so as to define a user interface surface, whereinthe input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking element isin its first spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-controlbutton is in its first spatial position: depression of thesuction-control user interface surface transitions the mechanicalsuction-control button to its second spatial position, and wherein theinput module is arranged such that when (a) the linking element is inits second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-controlbutton and the mechanical inflation-control button are in theirrespective first spatial positions: depression of the suction-controluser interface surface causes a first transition of the mechanicalsuction-control button to its second spatial position, which firsttransition, via the linking element, causes a second transition of themechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial position. 13.The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least 1 cm2 of thesuction-control user interface surface is visible from outside the inputmodule.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the inputmodule is arranged such that the second transition occurs simultaneouslywith the first transition.
 15. The apparatus according to any one ofclaim 1, wherein the mechanical suction-control button and themechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their respectivefirst spatial positions.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15,wherein the input module comprises one or more springs that are arrangedto bias the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button toward their respective first spatialpositions.
 17. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, whereinthe inflation chamber comprises (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b)a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal with therigid lateral chamber walls, and wherein the input module is configuredsuch that the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button fromits first spatial position to its second spatial position moves themoveable rigid compression wall with respect to the rigid lateralchamber walls, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing thepressure in the interior of the inflation chamber.
 18. The apparatusaccording to any one of claim 1, wherein the inflation chamber comprisesan elastic compartment, and wherein the input module is configured suchthat the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from itsfirst spatial position to its second spatial position compresses theelastic compartment, thereby mechanically and non-electricallyincreasing the pressure in an interior of the elastic compartment. 19.The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the mechanicalinflation-control button is configured to increase the pressure in theinterior of the inflation chamber by mechanically and non-electricallycompressing the inflation chamber during the at least a portion of thetransition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its firstspatial position to its second spatial position.
 20. A method for usewith a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the methodcomprising: providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into theventilation tube and comprises (i) an elongate, flexible, tubularcatheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or moredistal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflationlumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the cathetermain body; providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaningcatheter, and comprises (i) an inflation module, which comprises aninflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior ofthe inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of theinflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as todefine a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suctionsource; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is configuredto assume at least first and second spatial positions; (iv) a mechanicalinflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at leastfirst and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically andnon-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflationchamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control buttonfrom its first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v)a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with respectto the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanicalinflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least first andsecond spatial positions, wherein the input module is arranged suchthat: (A) at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in itsfirst spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communicationbetween the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at leastwhen the mechanical suction-control button is in its second spatialposition, the flow regulator connects the suction source and the distalsuction orifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen, (B) when(a) the linking element is in its first spatial position and (b) themechanical suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-controlbutton are in their respective first spatial positions: depression ofthe linking element does not transition the mechanical inflation-controlbutton to its second spatial position, and (C) when (a) the linkingelement is in its second spatial position and (b) the mechanicalsuction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button arein their respective first spatial positions: depression of the linkingelement transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to itssecond spatial position; coupling the suction portion in fluidcommunication with the suction source; and inserting the cleaningcatheter, in a proximal to distal direction, into the ventilation tubeinserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancing the cleaning catheteruntil a distal end of the catheter main body is axially disposed in theventilation tube at a location more distal than an axial mid-point ofthe ventilation tube.